Chain lubricant seems as though it is a straight forward decision, however, selecting the proper lubricant for your environment and style of riding can add quite a bit of life to your chain and cassette. The goal of any lube is to create a barrier between your chain and natural elements you encounter on your ride, as well as reduce the amount of corrosion and friction placed on your overall drivetrain. When looking for a lubricant, you will often hear the terms 'dry lube' and 'wet lube' tossed around. Here's a quick run down on what these refer to, as well as where they can best be applied.

My first trip had ignited a passion for bicycle travel. My country defined by the incredible people that we encountered along the way. Invitations into homes, meals, hugs and kisses goodbye with folks who had been strangers only twelve hours prior ... well, if you've bicycle toured, you know all about it.

Purchasing a new touring bike is as exciting as it is intimidating, and one of the most intimidating factors can often be the price tag of the bike. To help ease the process, today I would like to quickly go through some touring bikes that are under $1500, and ready to hit the road when you are.

Self-guided touring can be a beautiful blend of do-it-yourself and letting someone else take care of the details. In late September 2004, my wife Nancy and I toured southern France in this mode, when we were reminded that often it’s the least expected things that become the most memorable.

Spring can be a tricky season to prepare for as far as clothing is concerned. It can fluctuate quite a bit, and mentally, I always find myself thinking that I can get away with less than I should. To help make sure that you're more prepared than I am, here are some articles of clothing that are ideal for spring, and will also come in handy for early morning summer rides, and fall conditions.

As much as I love bicycles and cycling, it is the connections with people on my travels that I treasure most.

In 2001 Kat and I cycled through the Deep South. Our 2,000 mile journey aired as commentaries on public radio station KUOW in Seattle. The commentaries were written in the form of letters to my friend Bob Nadir.

High-end custom bicycles are not the first thing you would think of if you happened to motor or pedal down Main Street in Ashton, Idaho. No, that would more likely be agriculture, what with the town’s grain silos, railroad yard, and signs boasting that it's the “World’s Largest Seed Potato Producing Area.”

It seems as though most aspects of bike touring really haven't changed a great deal over the years. For the most part, bikes are still made of steel, although the type and geometries have changed a bit. Racks and panniers have the same general look that they did 20 years ago, and we still use low profile rims with high spoke counts. Another tried and true part of the touring bike that is hanging on quite well would be bar-end shifters.

Packing for a bicycle tour is one thing. Preparing your body and mind for life on the road is another. In this article I address how you can 1) get in shape and 2) mentally prepare for a long-distance bike tour.

This entry is the third in a series showcasing milestone routes in the Adventure Cycling Route Network. A milestone route is one that is viewed as a notable landmark in Adventure Cycling Association history: a first of its kind or marking an important milestone in total network mileage. The release of our Lewis & Clark Bicycle Trail was coordinated with the 200th anniversary of Lewis & Clark's departure, allowing cyclists to ride the route in 2004.

The 225-mile Katy Trail State Park is one of the crown jewels of North America’s rail-trail system. It follows a former route of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad -- the MK&T, or Katy for short -- between St. Charles and Sedalia, Missouri. A quiet artery, the Katy Trail transports cyclists and other self-propelled travelers through the heart of Missouri. On a grander scale, the riverside portions of the trail between St. Charles and Boonville serve as components of a pair of trails that are national in scope: the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail.